I'm thinking about doing the OU's start writing poetry course to give me something to get my teeth into in the meantime. I'll do some research into that.
I think I have to wait to hear back from my DRB in around April, which is when they said they'd be in touch about joining the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) where the trainees could chat and start reading things and doing assignments or whatever for before the course starts.
Further research on TES tells me that:
- I need to wait for my TDA number before I can do the QTS tests and I probably won't get that until after the course has started,
- My contract will eventually be with the school and they decide whether I'll get paid until June (when apparently the GTP officially ends) or July or August.
- I can use stuff I do during my work experience before I start as evidence during the GTP
- I should keep a note of all books I read as these can all be used as evidence too.
New websites I have discovered:
- www.poetryclass.net
- http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/graduate_teacher_group/
- http://www.parasitesparadise.com/
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TVS.htm
Teaching books: I've started reading 'Readings for Reflective Teaching'. It's very academic, which isn't a problem for me since I recently finished a degree in Child Psychology so I'm used reading this kind of thing, but for someone who isn't used to reading academic studies of teaching then it would probably be quite hard going. I'm enjoying it, and I think it's given me some things to think about but I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. If you're interested in the research behind various aspects of being a teacher and classroom management etc, then have a look through it in your local bookshop or library (and then buy one on eBay!).
Personal books: I've given in with Cross Stitch. Hogfather was calling me and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Cross Stitch was well written with good characters and stuff but a bit slow and too much the love story for my mood at the moment. She doesn't really write like Barbara Erskine. Erskine's books flip between past and present much more and there's nearly always an element of supernatural and danger which make them real page turners. Poop.
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